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Lesson 5.3 Vocab

  • a
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advocacy
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Definition

Action done in support of a cause, policy, or candidate.

Use In A Sentence

After years of advocacy, the students successfully pushed the school district to transition to electric buses.

policy
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Definition

A law, rule, process, practice, or action of a government or other organization, often used as a basis for decision-making.

Use In A Sentence

The government implemented a policy requiring all new buildings to use energy-efficient heating and cooling systems.

research and development (R&D)
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Definition

The process of investigating, designing, and creating new products, technologies, or improvements to existing systems

Use In A Sentence

For many companies, zero-carbon cement is still in the research and development phase, with the processes and designs still being developed.

standards
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Definition

Models or expected rules of measure established by an authority such as a government.

Use In A Sentence

Many countries have adopted strict emissions standards to reduce air pollution and combat climate change.

subsidy
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Definition

Money provided by the government to help make a product or service more affordable.

Use In A Sentence

The government introduced a subsidy for electric vehicles to make them more affordable and to encourage the transition to clean transportation.

Climate Action: Policy

Driving Question: How can policy help us address climate change?

Government policies are essential for driving innovation and adaptation, and you have the power to advocate for changes to those policies. Explore climate policies that could benefit your community, and then write a letter to a decision-maker in support of a policy you believe will make an impact.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Evaluate the importance of government policy when it comes to climate action.
  2. Research and assess a climate policy that will help address climate change.
  3. Write a letter to advocate for a climate policy.
STEP 1

Opener: Policy

It was the first country to exploit coal, and the first country to stop. How did Britain quit the dirtiest fossil fuel?

STEP 2

Understanding Government Policy

Teaching Tools

After watching the video, ask students to be a video critic as an exit ticket: How would you have presented this information differently? What rating would you give this video? Why?

What do we need government to do—and not do? Hear from experts about how the right policies can bring about the transformations we need, and then use the activity to evaluate what you’ve learned.

Why Does Policy Matter? External link

It will take more than scientists and innovators to lower emissions. Explore why government policy is one of the most powerful mechanisms for reducing emissions.
STEP 3

Policy Investigation

Teaching Tools

Students may have researched a climate policy in Lesson 4.3: Decarbonization Strategies External link . They could explore a new policy or build on their earlier work; either way, use this activity to deepen their research and better prepare them for letter writing.

Make sure you have the OER Project Writing Rubric External link available to students to support their writing.

What are the policies needed to address climate change? Investigate real legislation in the activity, and then use your research to write a letter advocating a policy that will impact your community.

STEP 4

Closer: Policy

Even if you’re not running for public office anytime soon, reflecting on your experience will make you a better advocate for the causes you care about.